Strategic Planning for Remediation and Optimization of Irrigation and Drainage Networks: A Case Study for Iran

Development of modern irrigation and drainage networks is one of the effective strategies to preventing water losses and optimal usage of water resources in agricultural section. So far, about 1.8 million ha of the total 8.5 million ha irrigated lands are irrigated using modern irrigation networks in Iran. Many new irrigation networks are also under construction. In the other hand, recent studies have shown that the most of the existing networks which have been constructed with huge costs suffer from various social and technical. The nature and type of these problems are different depending on the stages of construction and operation in different networks. In this research, an attempt has been made to determine the main problems of the networks, and remediation measures for rehabilitation and optimal modification of the networks. For this purpose, the methodology and principals of strategic planning was used. To do this, the pattern of strategic planning, including organizing of main and sub main committees with participating of stakeholders, review of literatures, field studies and visits, holding on workshops was applied. Based on arguments made in the workshops and main committee, the whole problems of the irrigation and drainage networks were followed in four principal subjects including drainage and environment, structural and construction, managing aspects and construction materials. The existing problems in the networks were drawn in the form of problem trees for each subject separately. Then in the basis of problem trees, target trees were developed to optimize and modification of irrigation and drainage networks. Based on the target trees, and considering previous studies and experiences, distinctive executive and research strategies were proposed considering various basic criteria. Finally temporal priorities (short, middle and long term) were determined to performance of the suggested executive and research strategies.